That was the year the Moose Javian’s 17-year-old brother Matthew Moquin committed suicide.
“It’s something that’s very hard to explain. It’s like your world caves in on itself,” she told the Times-Herald. She said her family did not suspect Moquin was suicidal.
On Saturday, Douglas was among the seven members of her family participating in the Journey to Hope walk around Crescent Park, raising money and awareness of suicide prevention.
Event co-ordinator and W.J. Jones and Son’s Funeral Home grief support worker Della Ferguson said Moose Jaw has held the Journey of Hope for two years now. The group collects pledges and participants stroll through Crescent Park, stopping at various pre-designated spots for reflection.
At one point during the walk, participants had an opportunity to write the names of the loved ones they were remembering.
This year, Ferguson said the organization intends to use part of the money raised to buy a curriculum for the local school divisions, so student counsellors have material available on suicide prevention for youth.
It’s something that’s very hard to explain. It’s like your world caves in on itself. - Danielle Douglas
